EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1006–10 years
Senior Structural Engineer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Senior-level professionals in the top quarter of the market.
$134,678/yr
Typical range: $153,214 – $183,871
P75 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Structural Engineer salary by experience level in Chicago
Structural Engineer Salary Progression in Chicago
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $87,616 | $7,301 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $106,390 | $8,866 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $118,907 | $9,909 | +36% |
| SeniorThis page | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $134,678 | $11,223 | +54% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $172,728 | $14,394 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $202,767 | $16,897 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $210,277 | $17,523 | +140% |
Current Salary
$134,678
Senior · 6–10 years
Hourly: $65/hr
Next Level Target
$172,728
Staff · 10
+$38Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
36/100
Below Average
+6% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the senior Structural Engineer salary in Chicago, IL?
Senior Structural Engineers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $135K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P75 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a senior Structural Engineer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $135K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $65/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from senior to senior Structural Engineer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Structural Engineer in Chicago, IL earns $153K–$184K/yr.